Bettye was born in Sarepta, Louisiana on March 2, 1939 to John and Lois Rials. Through her 53-year marriage to Toney Charles, Sr., Bettye exemplified strength, commitment, and grace. She set a firm example of dedication and commitment to serving her family, her church, and her community.
Bettye had a creative and loving soul, and there is no better representation of her than her gardens. Her artistry spread throughout her yard, with her purposeful placement of each plant, her beauty represented in each bloomed flower, and her strength mirrored in the deepness of the roots of her trees. She worked hand-in-hand with Toney, the love of her life to create a home of warmth, beauty, and sustenance - a place her family and friends will forever cherish.
Bettye poured love into creating the most delicious treats, most savory meals, and created lasting memories with her family while in her kitchen. Her heart of generosity was evident in even the most simplistic of tasks – she somehow made buttered rice the most special meal, created warmth through her savory red beans, and treated the masses with her lemon squares and mini-cheesecakes. Most importantly, she and Toney left a legacy of bringing others together to enjoy comradery and good food.
Bettye’s beauty and generosity, her strength and commitment, were traits of hers that one could pick up in the first few moments of meeting her. The most important, though, was her love of God. There was no question – she loved the Lord and his House, and He gave her strength. She and Toney led godly lives, were active in their church community at Bellaire Baptist Church, and were examples of strong commitment to following the Lord in all situations, to all around them.
Bettye is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sister, and her brother. She is survived by her sister, two children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service to honor her will be held on Saturday, February 27, at 11:30 am, within the Hill Crest Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. Dr. Randy Harper will officiate. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 am, prior to the service, also in the Mausoleum Chapel.
Bettye’s heart lives on through her family – you can see her generosity in her grandchildren’s’ cooking, her beauty through her family’s love of the outdoors, and her commitment through her family’s love of the Lord.
Until we see you again, please give “Dad,” “Pappies,” “Papaw,” “Poppa,” a hug for us.
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